We’re no strangers to bold seller claims at Barn Finds, although most typically revolve around exceptionally low odometer readings. However, when someone describes a classic with twenty-eight years of active service under its belt as “perfect,” it deserves close inspection. Such is the case with this 1996 Pontiac Trans Am SLP Firehawk. It is unquestionably rare, and the supplied images seem to support the seller’s claims about its overall condition. They have listed the Firehawk here on eBay in Cortlandt Manor, New York. They set their BIN at $23,750 with the option to make an offer.

Much has been written about the SLP Firehawk over the years, with these cars and vehicles like Ford’s Mustang SVT Cobra proving beyond doubt that Detroit had rediscovered its performance mojo by the 1990s. These classics offered acceleration that recalled the halcyon days of the late 1960s, which was warmly welcomed by those craving outright performance. Pontiac released its first batch of SLP Firehawks in 1992, and apart from 1998, it remained an integral part of the line-up until the badge’s retirement in 2002. The first owner ordered this 1996 example in dazzling Bright Red. Finding anything justifying criticism is seemingly impossible. The paint looks perfect, and the panels are immaculate. The seller describes the car’s underside as “spectacular,” and the included images support this. The lack of marks and other issues make it difficult to believe that the odometer shows 33,000 miles. The glass and T-Top are spotless, while the chrome alloy wheels sparkle like a new penny.

The SLP Firehawk was about so much more than looks, with the engine bay housing a V8 that provides exceptional performance by the standards of the day. The 5.7-liter powerplant generates 310hp and 335 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to a limited-slip rear end via a four-speed automatic transmission. ABS was standard equipment for the enormous four-wheel discs, with SLP upgrading the suspension to cope with the additional power. How fast were these classics? How does a 13.6-second ¼-mile ET sound? If the driver spots a long enough ribbon of straight road, keeping the pedal to the metal will reward them with a top speed of 160mph. There are faster production cars available today, but those figures looked mighty impressive in 1996. The seller claims that this Pontiac has a genuine 33,000 miles on its odometer, and the inclusion of complete maintenance records should make that figure verifiable. They also include the appropriate SLP documentation and the Window Sticker for what is a turnkey classic.

Graphite leather proved the most popular interior trim choice for 1996 SLP Firehawk buyers, with twenty buyers ticking that box on the Order Form. It provided a luxurious feel that was accentuated by the air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power seats, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and the AM/FM radio/CD player with an impressive ten speakers and a power antenna. The interior condition lives up to the seller’s hype, with no evidence of wear, abuse, or aftermarket additions. Pontiac may be a distant memory, but if it still existed, this Firehawk wouldn’t look out of place on a showroom floor.

The photos and production figures tell us much about this 1996 Pontiac Trans Am SLP Firehawk. Only forty-one of these classics rolled off showroom floors in 1996, and a mere ten Coupes featured Bright Red paint. That makes it extraordinarily rare from a “big picture” perspective, raising the question of whether the seller’s BIN figure is justified. The simple answer would appear to be a resounding “yes,” although their willingness to consider options provides an opportunity for someone to drive it away for less. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?